The row over so-called "stooges" in parliamentary committees erupted again today as the government's choice of a new chairwoman of the security services watchdog came under fire.

Ann Taylor, the former chief whip, was yesterday appointed to head the intelligence and security committee, which monitors MI5 and MI6, despite accusations that she lacked the necessary experience and qualifications.

Today the Liberal Democrat spokesman on constitutional affairs, Paul Tyler, criticised the appointment, saying: "We have yet to see whether she has any interest in intelligence and security and whether having left the government so recently she has the independence of mind that is necessary."

He added: "I would have hoped that the government would be prepared to have faced the House of Commons with this suggestion so at least we could have looked to see whether Ann Taylor has any of the necessary qualifications or experience. From her CV, she doesn't."

Members of the committee were reluctant to criticise Ms Taylor's appointment publicly today, with one saying: "I have to work with the woman."

The positions on the committee - which are personally chosen by the prime minister - were only announced yesterday, two weeks after parliament went into recess and MPs went on their holidays.

It follows on from the row last month, which resulted in Tony Blair's first parliamentary defeat, over the sacking of the heads of two select committees.

Gwyneth Dunwoody, the chairwoman of the transport committee, and Donald Anderson, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee, were reappointed after a humiliating climbdown by the government.

Although the intelligence and security committee is not a select committee, the appointment of Ms Taylor, along with other former junior ministers, Gavin Strang and Joyce Quinn, has reignited the suspicion that committees are being used as a "booby prize" for stalled careers.

Mr Tyler said he had "nothing personal" against Ms Taylor, but doubted whether she was suited for the job which was carried out in the last parliament by former Tory cabinet minister Tom King.

"The government should have learnt by now, having burnt its fingers a couple of weeks ago on this issue, that these scrutiny committees are far too important to simply be used as a dumping ground, a consolation prize, for sacked members of the cabinet," Mr Tyler told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"They have to be independent, they have to be seen to be independent."

Most of the intelligence and security committee's reports are not made public, although a censored account of the unveiling of elderly spy, Melita Norwood, was published last year.